How many 2026 World Cup tickets are actually still available? A FIFA release offers clues
FIFA says it received ‘over 500 million ticket requests’ but only sold ‘over 1 million tickets.’ Huh? Here’s what that likely means.
Football
27th March 2026
Sources: Man City seek Rodri talks amid Real links
Manchester City are expected to seek talks with Rodri this summer before pushing ahead with negotiations over a new contract, sources have told ESPN.
Ipswich Town and Nigel Farage: A private lunch, free shirts, and staff complaints
The visit by the Reform UK leader, and Ipswich's account of the visit being undermined, has prompted a fan backlash.
Germany's first woman coach at men's pro level is chasing her dreams
Sabrina Wittmann, coach of FC Ingolstadt, broke new ground by being herself -- and she hasn't reached her managerial ceiling yet.
World Cup 2026: which countries have qualified and how did they do it?
We now know 42 of the 48 of the teams that will play next year, but for a host of teams the race goes on via playoffs.
Football Daily
Sign up now! Sign up now! Sign up now? Sign up now! It’s Geopolitics World Cup playoff day, dear reader, and Gibraltar are playing Latvia in a winner-takes-all clash. Sadly, for football romantics, that game is the first leg of a Nations League promotion/relegation playoff.
2026 World Cup European playoffs: Kadioglu gives Türkiye lead over Romania
Sixteen European teams are vying for four spots at this summer's 2026 FIFA World Cup. Follow live here!.
Senegal to parade Afcon trophy despite title being stripped
Senegal's Football Federation boss calls the decision to hand Morocco the Afcon title a "robbery" amid plans to parade the trophy before Saturday's friendly against Peru in Paris.
Rodri open to Real Madrid move despite Atletico past
Manchester City midfielder Rodri says "you can't turn down the best clubs in the world" as he refuses to rule out a move to Real Madrid.
Lens match moved to give PSG rest vs. Liverpool
Ligue 1 has postponed the title clash between Lens and Paris Saint-Germain on Thursday to allow PSG better preparation for their Champions League quarterfinal against Liverpool next month.
French league postpones Lens match to allow PSG weekend off between Liverpool games
Paris Saint-Germain’s visit to Lens, potentially a crucial encounter in the Ligue 1 title race, has been postponed to give PSG more time to prepare for their Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool.
Who should play left-back for England at the World Cup?
Lewis Hall, Luke Shaw and Nico O’Reilly are the three leading contenders for a position that remains up for grabs. By WhoScored A year ago, when England began their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win over Albania, the prospect of Nico O’Reilly making the squad seemed very distant.
Motherwell's Slattery gets four-game ban for simulation - watch the incident
Motherwell midfielder Callum Slattery has been handed a four-game ban for simulation which resulted in a red card for St Mirren defender Richard King.
PSG's league game between legs of Liverpool Champions League tie postponed
Paris St-Germain's Ligue One match against Lens, which was set to take place between the two legs of their Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool, has been postponed.
City's Rodri refuses to rule out Madrid move
Manchester City midfielder Rodri has refused to rule out a future move to Real Madrid, despite his past as an Atletico Madrid player.
26th March 2026
Senegal to present AFCON trophy at Paris friendly despite having title stripped
At a press conference, a lawyer for Senegal said Morocco had been unsuccessful in attempts to have the medals and prize money given to them.
Northern Ireland's McCann out of Italy semi-final
Ali McCann has been ruled out of Northern Ireland's World Cup play-off semi-final against Italy in Bergamo.
Sixty years of hurt: start dreaming of England’s World Cup glory
Countdown to tournament begins in earnest with friendly against Uruguay so it’s time to forget other countries are good at football.
Referee and VAR errors increase in Premier League
Refereeing mistakes on the field and through the video assistant referee have risen across most categories in this season's Premier League.
‘This group of girls is writing history’: how Nantes Women are shaking up the French hierarchy
We spend a day with the surprise package of the Première Ligue to find out how they have taken the top flight by storm.
Bielsa back in England seeking end to boom-bust pattern after Luis Suárez attack
The Uruguay coach, who had such an impact at Leeds, needs a result at Wembley on Friday after a downturn for the South American side. The pattern is not unfamiliar. Marcelo Bielsa arrives.
Inside Canada’s World Cup goalkeeper battle – and why nobody has claimed the job yet
Neither top contender has seized the No. 1 shirt for the 2026 World Cup cohost, leaving a battle that's gone down to the last camp.
77 days to the World Cup: Gabriel Batistuta and the magic of June 21
DANIEL GARCIA via Getty ImagesThe countdown to the 2026 World Cup is on! Each day ahead of the tournament’s return to North America, Yahoo Sports will highlight an insight or moment that showcases just how grand the world’s biggest sporting spectacle has become — even beyond the expanded field of this year’s global event.
Bromley looking to complete 'Project Champions'
Bromley manager Andy Woodman reveals his side's extraordinary unbeaten run has led him to upgrade 'Project 73' to 'Project Champions'.
Hodgkinson pokes fun at West Ham amid London 2029 Worlds bid
Keely Hodgkinson pokes fun at West Ham by claiming Great Britain will win more medals than the Hammers have ever if the 2029 World Championships are held at London Stadium.
Vini Jr: Brazil can't be favorites for World Cup
Vinícius Júnior says Brazil neither deserves, nor wants, to have the favourite tag attached to it heading into the World Cup this summer.
Mbappé: 'Can't imagine' World Cup without Neymar
France star Kylian Mbappé cannot envision his former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Neymar missing the World Cup.
Maguire: Amorim deserves 'credit' for Utd's form
Harry Maguire has praised former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, saying that the Portuguese boss had some "great ideas.".
World Cup 2026 stadium guides: Welcome to Los Angeles Stadium, the most expensive sports venue in the world
SoFi Stadium was primarily funded and developed by LA Rams owner Stan Kroenke. It will host eight games including two USMNT fixtures.
Henry's handball, last-lap drama, Stanley Cup chaos: unjust moments in sport that could have been overturned
Following the result of the AFCON final being reversed, our writers have selected incidents where similar could have happened.
This Week in Sports Trivia: March 26, 2026
How closely were you following the sports news this week? Find out and test your knowledge by taking The Athletic's weekly quiz.
Saudi Pro League, MLS or elsewhere: Where could Salah go next?
Mohamed Salah is leaving Liverpool as a legend, but where could he go next? Here are his options.
Keely Hodgkinson pokes fun at West Ham over world championships stadium dispute
Keely Hodgkinson has playfully poked fun at West Ham after it emerged they could ruin London’s chances of hosting the 2029 World Athletics Championships.
How Arbeloa has won over doubters and reinvigorated Real Madrid's season
Whether it's the coach, the players, or both, Real Madrid have improved since Álvaro Arbeloa took over in January, and he could yet save their season.
Transfer rumors, news: Arsenal in for PSG star Kvaratskhelia
Arsenal are exploring an approach for Paris Saint-Germain winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Transfer Talk has the latest.
UWCL talking points: How can VAR, refs improve? Can Madrid keep Caicedo?
Emily Keogh, Alex Kirkland and Tom Hamilton answer some of our burning questions after the first leg of the UEFA Women's Champions League quarterfinals.
Three things to watch this USMNT window: goalkeepers, progressive full-backs and midfield puzzles
Mauricio Pochettino will use friendlies against Belgium and Portugal to answer the final World Cup roster questions.
Bryan Zamble leads the way as a generation of African soccer talent heads for San Diego
The 18-year-old Right to Dream graduate from Ivory Coast scored on debut for San Diego.
You are Scotland head coach Clarke… what would you do?
Pick your Scotland XI, chose the tactics, and deliver your team talk for this weekend's friendly against Japan at Hampden.
‘Trust your own feeling’: Everton’s Katja Snoeijs on her endometriosis diagnosis
Netherlands striker opens up on the condition that temporarily derailed her career and left her in so much pain she was in bed for three days.
'Like being stabbed in stomach' - Everton's Snoeijs on endometriosis
Everton forward Katja Snoeijs explains her journey to getting a diagnosis of endometriosis.
Have all home nations ever played in same World Cup?
With England and Scotland already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, Wales and Northern Ireland both face European qualifiers in March.
'St Mirren poised to keep caretaker McLeish in charge' - gossip
St Mirren are reportedly poised to keep caretaker Craig McLeish in charge for the rest of the season as two Rangers centre-backs are linked with Ibrox exits this summer.
Bruno Fernandes is the true custodian of Manchester United in the age of Ratcliffe
As well as being one of the team’s best performers, midfielder has become a talisman who is aware of the club’s spirit and traditions. The video of Bruno Fernandes kicking in the door is very good, if you haven’t already seen it. In a way, it explains a lot.
Garnacho fined for speeding
The former Manchester United player is fined for speeding as he left the club's training ground.
Gattuso's sleepless nights as Italy face fearless Northern Ireland
Manager Michael O'Neill says Northern Ireland's young side will play without fear in Thursday's World Cup play-off against Italy.
Scotland's Conway feared World Cup dream was over
Scotland forward Tommy Conway feared his dream of playing at the World Cup was over before being selected for upcoming friendlies against Japan and Ivory Coast.
Is Saka's form becoming a worry for Arsenal?
Are there worries about how Arsenal's reliance on Bukayo Saka is having an impact on his form?.
What to look out for in European World Cup play-offs
The World Cup play-offs start on Thursday with four European spaces up for grabs for this summer's tournament.
World Cup play-off predictions: Gyokeres vs Lewandowski? Italian woe? Guler, Yildiz to star?
By the end of these playoffs, we will know the full 48-team makeup of this summer's World Cup - but who could go through?.
Liverpool need to replace Mohamed Salah. Who could fill the void?
Replacing an Anfield legend will not be easy but here are five options the club could consider this summer.
Xherdan Shaqiri: My game in my words
Fittingly, the former Liverpool, Inter and Bayern star's mantra was: "If you never try, you're never going to score".
Popovic wants World Cup contenders to play with freedom in final home matches
The Socceroos' upcoming games against Cameroon and Curaçao could make or shatter World Cup dreams, and Socceroos legend Mark Schwarzer has backed the players, and coach Tony Popovic, to deliver come tournament time.
Bukayo Saka, the load of expectation and what's changed this season
The 24-year-old has been Arsenal's leading man since he was 18. This season, there has been a drop-off, but why?.
Alexandre Pato: 'Brazilians just want to win now. If you play bad, just win the game'
The Brazilian speaks to The Athletic about his injury-hit career, how football has changed, and Brazil's front three for the World Cup.
Managers on the rise: Kim Hellberg – Swedish innovator with a fondness for maths and 'murderball'
The 38-year-old's emphasis on possession, fluidity and off-the-ball intensity are driving Middlesbrough's promotion push.
Neco Williams: From Liverpool prospect to Forest's precise crosser and accomplished full-back
The 24-year-old came through at Anfield and has developed into an accomplished full-back at Forest with a possible World Cup on the horizon.
What are your Premier League club's players up to over the international break?
How many players are on international duty? Where are they playing? Who is out injured?.
World Cup fans' $15,000 bonds to enter U.S. Plus: MLS commissioner's Salah hope
Today in TAFC: The bond payments facing fans of several World Cup countries. Plus: MLS hoping for Salah, and what about Casemiro?.
'Not for us to ride the rollercoaster' - what Wales must do to win World Cup play-off
As Wales host Bosnia-Herzegovina in a World Cup play-off semi-final, head coach Craig Bellamy explains what his side must do to win.
From Norwich to Barcelona: Ajay Tavares, the England Under-17s winger at La Masia
It is not exactly a path well travelled, but this move from East Anglia reflects an established youth policy at the Catalan club.
NYCFC open up on potential interest in Mohamed Salah
“So, is it a non-negotiable? Do we absolutely need it? In my opinion, no. Will it help take our club to the next level? Yes.”.
The Matildas’ coach wants the side to face the world’s best – so why are they playing Malawi next?
In the afterglow of the Asian Cup, Australia will begin preparations for the 2027 Women’s World Cup with a friendly series alongside three low-ranked teams.
How ex-Socceroos boss can make WC history in last-gasp qualifier as Aussies wait to learn rival
The Socceroos’ first World Cup opponent will be confirmed next week as 22 nations vie for the final six places in this year’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
NYCFC’s future home hits ‘monumental occasion’ as stadium takes shape
New York City FC have spent the first decade of their existence searching for a new home, a process marred by several stops and starts in various locations across the five boroughs.
‘Not true’: Football superstar responds to wild reports of bizarre medical blunder
Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappé has denied reports that the club’s medical staff made a bizarre blunder when he suffered a knee injury ate last year.
Barça make Madrid suffer in 'historic' UWCL rout
Barcelona midfielder Patri Guijarro called their 6-2 Women's Champions League thrashing of Real Madrid a "historic result" on Wednesday.
MLS commish Garber would 'love' Salah in league
MLS commissioner Don Garber said that he would "love" to see Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah in MLS, should the Egypt international decide to join the league.
Mbappé denies Madrid did MRI on wrong knee
Kylian Mbappé denied reports that his knee injury was misdiagnosed after Real Madrid's medical team mistakenly examined the wrong knee as it sought to treat the problem.
Man United's big night was disappointing, but not their spirit
It was a huge night for Man United, but they will need to bounce back next week to make it even more historic.
Barcelona deal Madrid painful Clásico reminder of who reigns supreme in Europe
If Real Madrid thought they were getting closer to competing with Barca, Wednesday's loss dispelled that.
Man Utd down but not out - Skinner sure Bayern lead can be overturned
Manchester United suffered defeat by Bayern Munich in the home leg of their Champions League quarter-final, but manager Marc Skinner refuses to rule them out.
Why Mauricio Pochettino wants the USMNT's 'right 26 — not the best' for the World Cup
MARIETTA, Ga. — In the two months before he finalizes his U.S. World Cup roster, Mauricio Pochettino will weigh factors that go beyond soccer ability. Without pure talent, of course, the Americans will not go very far in the 48-team tournament unfolding this summer across North America.
Harry Maguire: ‘I really like Ruben, he’s got great ideas. They just didn’t work at Manchester United’
Centre-back opens up on his renaissance at Old Trafford and his burning World Cup desire for England. Harry Maguire was injured again and Manchester United were stuck in a loop under Ruben Amorim, offering their own take on the definition of insanity.
Manchester United left reeling in WCL by late strike from Bayern Munich’s Tanikawa
When they took the lead for the third time at Old Trafford, Bayern Munich fans were singing ‘football’s coming home’, taunting the hosts.
Al-Ittihad revive Salah interest - Thursday's gossip
Al-Ittihad rekindle their efforts to sign Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah and Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye is among the players being considered by Manchester United.
FIFA details final phase of World Cup ticket sales
FIFA said over one million tickets had been sold by the end of the previous release and additional tickets would be put on general sale from April 1.
Dominant Barça put 6 past Madrid in UWCL 1st leg
Barcelona put one foot into the last four of the Women's Champions League with a comprehensive 6-2 first-leg victory at rivals Real Madrid.
Benfica fined for fan chants; player probe ongoing
UEFA fined Benfica on Wednesday for racist abuse by fans at a Champions League game against Real Madrid, whose forward Vinícius Júnior was allegedly racially abused by Gianluca Prestianni.
Italy staying positive before 'most important game'
Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso has warned his players not to take Northern Ireland lightly as he prepares for "the most important game" of his career.
Madrid's Valverde gets 1-match ban for red card
Real Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde was handed a one-match ban by the Spanish Football Federation's disciplinary committee for his red card in the club's 3-2 derby win over Atlético Madrid on Sunday.
Italy and Northern Ireland target return to international football’s top table
Gli Azzurri start favourites in the World Cup playoff on Thursday but Michael O’Neill says his young team will show no fear. The shorter wait is the one worthy of considerably more attention.
Bosnia boss Barbarez refuses to apologise to Cooper
Sergei Barbarez had accused Steve Cooper of dropping midfielder Benhamin Tahirovic from the Danish side in the build up to this week's qualifier.
‘We have to do something for our people’: Ukraine nurture World Cup dream
The team have led a nomadic existence since Russia invaded and face a playoff against Sweden in Valencia on Thursday. Around the pitch of the latest stadium Ukraine will call home, a set of banners reels off the venues that have accommodated them in the past four years.
Inter Miami and LA Galaxy 'interested' in signing Casemiro
MLS pair Inter Miami and LA Galaxy are both interested in signing Casemiro this summer when he becomes a free agent.
Messi team-mate or rival? Casemiro wanted by two MLS clubs ????????
Major League Soccer (MLS) teams Inter Miami and LA Galaxy are interested in signing Casemiro when he leaves Manchester United in the middle of the year. The Brazilian already announced in January that he will leave United when his contract expires at the end of the season.
MLS commissioner Don Garber would 'love to see' Liverpool's Mohamed Salah in U.S.
Don Garber said "we would provide him with a great platform" and the Egyptian forward would be "great" in MLS.
Ultimate 2026 World Cup betting preview: Odds, best bets for every group, Golden Boot and winner
The 2026 World Cup will be the biggest sporting event held in the United States since sports betting was widely legalized in 2018, meaning a huge amount of American eyeballs and money will be on these games.
Inter Miami, LA Galaxy interested in signing Manchester United's Casemiro in summer
The Brazil international announced in January he would leave the Premier League side at the end of the season.
Final decision to be made on mind-blowing football backflip as disgruntled nation lodges appeal
Senegal have lodged an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport over the decision to strip them of the Africa Cup of Nations title and hand the trophy to Morocco, the Swiss-based tribunal confirmed Wednesday.
Everton exploring legal options over lack of sporting sanctions against Chelsea
Everton are exploring a possible legal challenge against the Premier League for its handling of Chelsea’s undisclosed payments sanction.
Northern Ireland deserve Italy's respect - Buffon
World Cup winner Gianluigi Buffon says Italy have been fully concentrated on overcoming Northern Ireland as the sides prepare to face each other in Bergamo on Thursday.
As the World Cup nears, USMNT's center back corps remains uncertain, unsettled
The U.S. is blessed with satisfactory depth at most positions, but when it comes to defense, it's a central issue for Mauricio Pochettino.
Fans and players from five African World Cup countries face $15,000 bond to enter US
A newly expanded policy from the Trump administration could require travelers from five World Cup-qualified countries to front a bond of up to $15,000 in order to enter the United States for the tournament.
‘There won’t be any regrets’: Bellamy steels Wales for last World Cup push
Before meeting with Bosnia and Herzegovina, head coach has urged his players to step up and embrace the occasion.
Sources: Utd relaxed on Rashford's Barça future
Manchester United are relaxed about Marcus Rashford's situation at Barcelona, sources have told ESPN, and are confident they would be able to find other suitors if the Spanish giants decide against triggering their option to make the move permanent.
Donovan to make return to field at TST in 2026
USMNT great Landon Donovan will return to the field for this summer's $1 million winner-take-all The Soccer Tournament (TST), it was announced Wednesday.
Sources: Al Ittihad resume pursuit of Salah deal
Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad have resumed work on a deal for Mohamed Salah after the Liverpool forward announced on Tuesday that he will leave the club at the end of the season, multiple sources have told ESPN.
Senegal appeal to CAS after losing AFCON title
Senegal have lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport following the decision to overturn the country's Africa Cup of Nations victory against Morocco, but a final decision is expected to take some time.
Vini Jr. wants to stay at Madrid for 'a long time'
Vinicius. Jr has indicated his plans to stay with Real Madrid for "a long time.".
